S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)
S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) remains after SAM has donated a methyl group. It is measured in urine together with SAM, betaine and choline.
What SAH does in the body
SAH is split into homocysteine and adenosine. This reaction is reversible: when homocysteine rises, SAH builds up as well. SAH inhibits the enzymes that transfer methyl groups. The SAM/SAH ratio is therefore a measure of how well the body can methylate.
High SAH – what happens in the body?
A raised SAH value slows down methylation reactions – of genetic material, messenger substances and cell membranes. It usually goes along with raised homocysteine, for example when folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 or betaine are scarce or the kidneys excrete homocysteine less well.
Low SAH – what does it mean?
A low value is unremarkable. Together with a good SAM value it gives a high SAM/SAH ratio, meaning unimpeded methylation.
The interpretation is given in your report.
Also known as: sah, s-adenosylhomocysteine, sam/sah, methylation index
Contexts in which this value is measured
- Elevated homocysteine
- Exhaustion
- Mood swings
Analyses that include this value
There is currently no analysis in the shop for this value. A practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network can tell you how else it can be determined.
View the expert networkReference ranges and how your personal value is to be read are set out in your findings report. You discuss the findings with a practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network.